A 25-year-old man succumbed to death after a stone fell on
him while digging a mine in Shiveye, Ikolomani subcounty.
According to eye witness, the deceased met his death on
Monday when they last saw him going to the gold mine.
His body has been taken to Mukumu mortuary.
Confirming the incident, area Chief Mr. Kenneth Amwayi urged
residents and gold miners to wait until the rain season is over, so as to carry
on with their business.
Gold mining is historical and has been part and parcel
activity for the residents of Ikolomani sub county.
The County Government of Kakamega has been working closely
with the ministry of Mining to help avert related issues in the region.
In October, Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said his
administration has set aside 5 acres of land for construction of a gold
refinery in the county.
Mining & Petroleum Cabinet Secretary John Munyes confirmed
Governor Oparanya’s sentiments, saying that both the county and national
governments have come together to outline the legal framework which will
operationalize mining activities in the county.
Part of these frameworks included safety of mining areas,
protection to miners, provision of appropriate gears and machines required in
mining among others.
Report compiled by David Khayumbi, News 9 Kenya
Correspondent